With the vast Pacific at its doorstep, Waikīkī’s seafood restaurants showcase the freshest catch for an authentic ocean-to-table experience.
Living in Waikīkī means enjoying seafood at its best. Here, fish and shellfish are central to the local food culture, and many restaurants highlight the island’s ocean bounty with thoughtful preparations and fresh ingredients.
Waikīkī’s seafood scene is notable for its range — from casual poke bowls and garlic shrimp to refined platters and French-style seafood dishes. Below are local recommendations for some of the top seafood restaurants in Waikīkī.
Table of Contents
- 1. Michel’s at the Colony Surf
- 2. Herringbone Waikiki
- 3. SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar
- 4. Eating House 1849
- 5. Paʻia Fish Market
- 6. Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Market
- 7. Kirin Restaurant
- 8. Maguro Brothers Hawaii – Waikiki
- 9. Royal Lobster
- Honolulu Fishing Tours
- Visitor FAQs
1. Michel’s at the Colony Surf
Oceanfront fine dining with refined seafood and memorable sunset views.
📍 2895 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for dinner
🎟️ Reservations: Reservations recommended via the restaurant or walk-in
Michel’s at the Colony Surf is a long-standing French fine-dining restaurant known for elegant seafood preparations, table-side presentations, and romantic ocean views. Signature dishes such as the Iced Harvest of the Sea showcase a variety of shellfish and raw fish, ideal for sharing.
The Lobster Bisque is another hallmark — prepared over an extended period and finished at the table for both flavor and theater. The menu also includes tartares, caviar, bouillabaisse, seared fish and classic French specialties, often finished with flambéed desserts served tableside.
INSIDE TIP: For a fuller experience, try the tasting menu option, which pairs multiple courses and optional wines for a complete meal.
2. Herringbone Waikiki
Open-air, coastal dining with creative seafood dishes and a popular oyster hour.
📍 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for dinner; brunch on weekends
🍹 Happy Hour: Bar specials in the late afternoon and evening
🎟️ Reservations: Reservations accepted or walk-in
Located at the International Market Place, Herringbone brings an open-air, Southern California–inspired vibe to Waikīkī. The menu is seafood-forward and inventive, featuring items like misoyaki butterfish, potato-crusted ahi, mussels in flavorful sauces and gochujang octopus.
Oyster Hour is a highlight for fans of raw bar selections, offering shucked oysters at attractive prices alongside elevated small plates and cocktails. Weekend brunch on the patio is also popular, with seafood-focused starters and hearty daytime dishes.
INSIDE TIP: If you plan to return to restaurants in the same group frequently, look into their rewards or loyalty program for perks like cash back and birthday offers.
3. SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar
Rooftop dining with skyline views, oysters, sushi and champagne.
📍 2270 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Early evening bar specials
🎵 Live Music: Evening performances most nights
🎟️ Reservations: Recommended, especially for sunset seating
Perched high above Waikīkī, SKY Waikiki offers panoramic views of Diamond Head and the ocean. The menu emphasizes raw bar staples, sushi and light seafood plates like smoked ahi dip, poke samplers and garlic shrimp. The oyster selection and seafood towers are popular for sharing, especially at sunset.
Happy hour includes discounted oysters and drinks, making it a good pick for casual pre-dinner gatherings. The rooftop can be breezy, so plan your wardrobe accordingly.
4. Eating House 1849
Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine with build-your-own fish options.
📍 2330 Kalākaua Ave #322, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for dinner; weekend brunch
🍹 Happy Hour: Early evening bar specials
🎟️ Reservations: Accepted or walk-in
Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurant celebrates local ingredients and global flavors. Located on the third-floor lanai at International Market Place, Eating House 1849 is a breezy spot for family meals and special occasions.
The menu features raw bars, paella with lobster, butterfish, clams, shrimp and scallop pasta, and more. A popular feature is the “Build Your Own Local Catch” option: choose the fish, the cooking method and a sauce to customize your meal.
INSIDE TIP: The restaurant is family-friendly and offers a children’s menu. Mention celebrations to the staff — they often add a little extra aloha for special occasions.
5. Paʻia Fish Market
Casual seafood café serving hearty plates of freshly caught fish.
📍 2299 Kuhio Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for lunch and dinner
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
Originally from Maui, Paʻia Fish Market offers a relaxed counter-service experience with generous portions and straightforward, flavorful seafood. The Fresh Catch Plates let you choose the fish and preparation — charbroiled, sautéed, Cajun, or blackened — and come with classic sides like zesty coleslaw.
Other menu items include fish burgers, tacos, shrimp or calamari plates, seafood pastas and chowder. It’s a dependable, no-frills option for a satisfying meal near the beach.
INSIDE TIP: Pair your plate with a local beer, kombucha, or nitro cold brew for a refreshing combo.
6. Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Market
Family-owned seafood market and eatery ideal for casual beach-day meals.
📍 2005 Kālia Rd, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
Blue Water Shrimp began as a food truck and grew into a local favorite. Known for garlic and coconut shrimp, the market serves plate lunches with generous portions and island-style flavors. Entrées typically include rice, salad and corn, and meals often come with a small floral touch.
It’s a convenient option near the beach for grab-and-go meals or a relaxed courtyard lunch after swimming and snorkeling.
INSIDE TIP: Try a nonalcoholic tropical smoothie, like pineapple, for a refreshing complement to your shrimp plate.
7. Kirin Restaurant
A long-standing Chinese restaurant serving live crab, lobster and abalone dishes.
📍 2424 Kalākaua Ave #103, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for lunch and dinner
🎟️ Reservations: Reservations accepted or walk-in
Kirin has served Waikīkī for decades and is known for polished Chinese cuisine with a strong focus on seafood. Popular items include live Dungeness crab preparations, lobster, abalone and regional shrimp dishes. The restaurant accommodates large groups and offers private dining areas for celebrations.
Service is typically attentive and efficient, making it a convenient choice for family-style meals and special occasions.
8. Maguro Brothers Hawaii – Waikiki
Counter-style spot prized for auction-fresh sashimi and premium poke.
📍 2250 Kalakaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Evenings most days; usually closed Sundays
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
Maguro Brothers is a must for raw fish aficionados. With ingredients sourced fresh from Honolulu’s fish auction, the counter serves high-grade sashimi, toro cuts and customizable poke bowls. Lines are common, but the quality and precision in preparation make it worth the wait for many visitors.
Sashimi and poke can be enjoyed on-site or taken to go for a beach picnic.
9. Royal Lobster
Specializes in Maine lobster rolls and lobster salad.
📍 2250 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Typically open for lunch and dinner on select days
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in or order for pick-up
Royal Lobster focuses on Maine lobster served in straightforward preparations: warm buttered lobster rolls and chilled lobster salad. Portions use real lobster meat, often including tail, claw and knuckle, and pair well with a casual picnic at nearby beach spots.
The menu is simple, and the emphasis is on high-quality lobster rather than an expansive selection.
INSIDE TIP: Other local eateries in nearby food courts also offer lobster rolls and seafood options if you want more variety within walking distance.
In summary, Waikīkī offers something for every seafood lover — from casual shrimp plates and poke to upscale raw bars and lobster specialties.
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Honolulu Fishing Tours
Bottom Fishing Adventure
- Half-day outing on the waters off Honolulu
- Take in ocean and shoreline views from the boat
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Includes fishing gear and bait
- No prior fishing experience required
More information and booking are available through local tour providers and visitor centers.
Private Fishing Charter
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A personalized private boat charter
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Enjoy Honolulu views and spot marine life
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Includes fishing equipment, guidance and light snacks
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Multiple departure times are often available
Private charters offer a tailored experience for families and small groups seeking a fishing excursion or a scenic ocean outing.
Visitor FAQs
Yes, there is a Red Lobster location in Waikīkī, Honolulu. It serves classic seafood dishes like lobster, shrimp, fish and scallops, and is family-friendly with an affordable kids’ menu.
Clam chowder is available at several spots in Waikīkī. Casual seafood cafés like Paʻia Fish Market offer hearty clam chowder, while some hotel restaurants and food courts serve New England–style chowder and creative variations such as chowder in a garlic bread bowl.
For seafood buffets, several resorts and hotel restaurants near Waikīkī host extensive seafood nights that include items like poke, shrimp cocktail, steamed crab and fish entrees. Check local hotel dining schedules or reservation platforms for current buffet offerings and days of operation.